I am proud to announce the Banner Center for Creative Industries has moved into its second consecutive year of providing expert instruction to creative professionals, helping them develop the skills needed and earn the credentials required for employment in Florida's creative industry. Last year was triumphant! Thanks to our wonderful Banner Center staff we met and exceeded our 2011 goals and are well on our way to do the same in 2012! We are grateful to have the support and guidance of our exceptional advisory council for Florida's creative industries, and we want to welcome the new and existing members to this year's council. The quantity of interest shown in our training programs is motivating, and our team looks forward to delivering even more Creative workforce education, outreach, and skill-based courses in TV, Film and New Media. We are dedicated to our Banner Center trainees' success, which is why we are always looking for innovative programing and subject matter experts with a passion for training and facilitating programs.

As we grow, we plan to directly and positively impact Florida's economy by serving as the statewide educational resource center and nexus for pioneering industry information. We offer a collaborative choice for the education, support and training of Florida's rapidly progressive creative industries.

"I am an advertising major and photography minor at UNF. I enrolled in the Digital Media Essentials course last semester through the Banner Center for Creative Industries. It was the first class in a long time that kept my interest; we had different business professionals teaching us throughout the semester. It was a hands-on experience; we did real life simulations and conducted a real interview in our classroom. In taking this course, I not only learned a tremendous amount about my field of study, but I also got an Internship that turned into a job in advertising! I am in my last semester at UNF, and I have the Banner Center for Creative Industries to thank for already having a job prior to my April graduation."

International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees members take a class in scenic painting and faux finish. The IATSE specialty course was a result of a need uncovered during a Banner Center for Creative Industries Focus Group session. (Photo by Banner Center staff)

Philip Green visits St. Lucia

Philip Green speaking to McOrville Combie, Coordinator of Continuing Education at Sir. Arthur Lewis Community College in St. Lucia. The visit was geared at spreading Banner Center awareness and inter-institutional agreement. (Photo by Banner Center staff)

The Employ Florida Banner Center for Creative Industries at the University of North Florida Division of Continuing Education offered Guerilla Social Media Marketing, a no-nonsense, powerhouse course, for new and experienced social media managers on Thursday, Feb. 16, at University Center on Campus.

The course was a resounding success and initiated the development of more social media courses. In addition, the Banner Center is hoping to brach-off Guerrilla Social Media Marketing into three different courses, based off skill level. Stay tuned for more!!